Failures in the water distribution network are some most important factors in water losses, water shortage and
dissatisfaction of users and secondary pollutions as well. This research aimed to analyze failure in water
distribution networks during 2006-2008, for better water management. Daily failure reports in Ahvaz, Iran
distribution network during 2006-2008, were collected from emergency department of Ahvaz water and
Wastewater Company; thereafter, they were entered into an Excel database, also failures were defined by pipes
type, pipe diameter, and cause of the failure, and finally the data were analyzed. Results indicated that asbestos
and polyethylene pipes show maximum failures; maximum failure and fracture has occurred in pipes with 100 and
150 mm diameters. The most important factors affecting on failure were corrosion, traffic load and landslide. In
addition, simultaneous influence of type and the diameter of the pipe on the failures were statistically significant.
The depth of pipes establishment, corrosion and obsolescence of pipes as well as improper type of pipes were the
most important causes of failures in Ahvaz Water Distribution Network. In this regard, upgrading pipe material
setting standards and renewing water pipe network are the main strategies for failures minimization